For a while I thought this was relatively common knowledge, but I still find people who do not know this. You can use vinegar to replace fabric softener. Actually in many ways it is better to use than fabric softener. Some of the benefits to adding plain distilled white vinegar to your clothes are:
- It’s safe and natural
- It’s inexpensive
- Reduces static cling
- Removes odours
- Keeps colour bright and last longer
- Helps remove some stains
- Helps kill some bacteria
- Removes buildup be it soap or chemical
- It’s easier on the skin then the pesky fabric softener made with chemicals
- Helps makes clothes soft and towels fluffy
- Does not leave any residue.
Good, old, simple vinegar
People don’t know this, but with a lot of fabrics now-a-days, you are NOT supposed to use bleach or fabric softener with them. Any warranty you may have on a duvet or a mattress pad is actually void if you use bleach. Towels will loose all absorption power if you use fabric softener since it will leave a film on them. I have had people get upset when they hear that they can’t use bleach on their mattress pad and ask “How do you get rid of the bacteria and body oils then if you can’t use bleach?” Vinegar! “How do you keep towels fluffy and last a long time?” Vinegar!
I’ve been adding vinegar to my wash for nearly 3 years now and I’ve never smelt like a pickle. My clothes have lasted me way longer and the colours have remained bright. My skin is really sensitive and I have eczema, so I’ve never been able to use a fabric softener or bleach that didn’t make my skin break out in rashy anger. Using vinegar has never bothered my delicate skin.
All I did when I used top load washers is add ½ cup of vinegar when the water is loading, then launder as normal. With a front load washer, I just add it in the fabric softener compartment to the “fill” line. You can also add it to the bleach compartment if you don’t have a fabric softener compartment. I’ve done both and it works well.
You can also pre-treat your stains with vinegar as well. Just let the clothing be penetrated by the vinegar for 10 minutes, then use a soft bristle brush to lightly rub out the stain, launder as usual. Also add about ½ cup of vinegar to clean the washing machine! It will get rid of any odours trapped in the barrel, clean the stainless steal barrel, get rid of any build up of chemicals or soap residue, and kill any bacteria growing in there.
Don’t believe me? Here’s some links on how others use them:
- http://www.greenideareviews.com/2012/04/25/using-vinegar-as-fabric-softener-review-does-it-work/
- http://www.vinegartips.com/scripts/pageviewsec.asp?id=8
- http://www.ehow.com/how_4557254_wash-clothes-vinegar.html#page=0
I personally love to use this inexpensive and natural way to clean my clothes. To be honest, I love vinegar in general! It is such a great ingredient to clean with! How do you use vinegar?
To all you big vinegar companies, I just gave you amazing product placement. I will expect my life-time supply of vinegar in the mail as thanks.
🙂
Aunty Mummy 